2024.07.26
Kenichi Murakami, Professor at Meiji University Faculty of Law, Director of the University Historical Materials Center / University Librarian
Tottori Prefecture Bar Association’s mascot character modeled after Masako Nakata, ‘Masako-sensei,’ and Meiji University’s official character ‘Meijirou’ in legal attire
In the 17th week, it is the second week of the Niigata chapter, and the background of Lady Ryoko (played by Yuki Sakurai) and her attendant Tama (played by Nagi Hasegawa) has become clear.
Let us briefly review the aristocratic system. The aristocratic system was established around the 2nd year of the Meiji era, and in July of the 17th year, the “Peerage Act” was enacted, establishing and organizing five ranks: “Duke, Marquess, Count, Viscount, Baron.” The “Dukes and Marquesses” were conferred upon the Tokugawa family, former noble families, and feudal lords of major domains, while “Counts, Viscounts, and Barons” were given to the lords of comparatively smaller domains and individuals with merit after the Meiji Restoration. The aristocracy was granted revenue bonds, and the “Law on Inherited Property of the Aristocracy” (Meiji 19) provided robust protection for real estate and other basic properties. The status (rank) of the aristocracy was inheritable (limited to males), and even in cases of debt, their basic properties would not be seized. Additionally, male aristocrats could enter aristocratic schools (the current Gakushuin) and even imperial universities (the current University of Tokyo) without examination. They could also become members of the House of Peers without relying on common elections. Dukes and Marquesses could do so unconditionally (although without compensation), while Counts, Viscounts, and Barons could become members through mutual selection (with compensation). However, after the war, this aristocratic system was abolished by Article 14, Section 2 of the Japanese Constitution, which states, “The system of nobility, including peers, shall not be recognized.” All privileges of the aristocracy were lost, and many aristocrats are said to have had 80-90% of their wealth confiscated due to heavy taxation imposed on those holding assets of 100,000 yen or more to reclaim wartime profits. The familial background of Ryoko’s Sakuragawa house is unclear, but as there were no male heirs and no signs of business management, the abolition of the aristocratic status led them to incur enormous debt and ultimately part with their mansion and servants. Furthermore, they had to sell their villa in Niigata, using the proceeds to buy a lighthouse, where Ryoko and Tama ended up running a café.
Tama sustained a serious injury to her waist during an air raid and ended up living in a wheelchair, but her efforts to learn English paid off, and she began teaching English to students preparing for exams. However, Tama’s feelings were complex. She thought, “I don’t want to be a burden to the lady anymore,” and “Even though I was freed from my status and my mother… I am the one who is tying her down.” She pondered, “If I were not here, the lady could be something she wanted to be in a free world… It was because I survived only halfway that she is suffering like this.” Consequently, she asked Torako if she could enter a rehabilitation facility established under the Disabled Persons Welfare Law (Showa 24, December) that provides support for living while undergoing treatment and vocational training. However, Ryoko tearfully implored Tama, stating that “living with Tama is my happiness.” Eventually, Ryoko and Tama resolved to redefine their previous master-servant relationship and live together as “close friends” (addressing each other as Ryoko-chan and Tama-chan), supporting one another.
Torako began studying mahjong to participate in a mahjong tournament hosted by lawyer Taro Sugita, and it seemed that Koichi also liked mahjong (by the way, it appears that Mitsubuchi-san often gathered around the mahjong table too). During that tournament, everyone was surprised when Lawyer Taro suddenly burst into tears upon seeing Yumi. The sorrow from losing his only daughter and granddaughter simultaneously during the air raid in Nagaoka overwhelmed him as he met Yumi. It was also surprising that Koichi hugged Taro and gently rubbed his back while repeatedly saying, “I’m sorry… I’m sorry.” Why did Koichi say this? What could his “secret” be? This will be clarified in the next episode.
Mi sae Moriguchi (played by Rin Kataoka), the daughter of a powerful local timber owner, appeared as an eerie presence harboring madness within. She is a charismatic high school student with excellent academic performance, but Mi sae seems to be lurking behind the frequent attacks and thefts committed by boys in Niigata. All the boys were wearing “red beaded bracelets” given by Mi sae, who is described as “special” to them. It appears that the boys may have acted out of a need to “clear Mi sae’s feelings.” Ryoko made a suggestive remark: “Some of the boys have expressions like I used to have. They have looks of loneliness and frustration, as if no one understands them…” Is this referring to Mi sae?
Supplement:
Thanks to the cooperation of the Meiji University Alumni Association, Tottori Prefecture Branch and the Kurayoshi Regional Branch, this summer, we will hold a lecture, discussion, and panel exhibition titled “The Birth of Female Legal Professionals” at Ace Pack Mirai Center (Kurayoshi City, Tottori Prefecture). This time, we will focus on female legal professionals, including Masako Nakata, who has long been active as a lawyer in Tottori and was a classmate of Yoshiko Mitsubuchi (until around 1950, most women who passed the current bar examination were graduates of the women’s department and law faculty of our university). Those who are interested are welcome to visit Ace Pack Mirai Center on August 24 (Saturday) and 25 (Sunday).
